Monday 27 April 2020

The Sequel To Seven Stops

This blog is being written specially for those who read my first novel, Seven Stops. My grateful thanks to you for doing so.

I started this for my Masters Degree in 2003, because part of the spec was a 60k word novel in as polished as condition as possible.

After the studying was over and I received my files back, (along with the lovely certificate which hangs on my wall), I read the comments the tutors made on my longest creative piece. Without doing anything with it/them, I continued to look at their notes for years, because I was bringing up kids, had jobs and other general life stuff to do, so the manuscript stayed as it was, stuffed in a drawer.

Finally, with loads of encouragement from friends and the children, the reworking began. I owe so much to their patience. Especially those who read and re-read my work in progress, with the finished piece very different to the original idea. The process from this point to publication, took over seven years. which seemed very appropriate and makes for an excellent talking point!

The artwork was done by my friend Tracy, and the special fonts by another close friend, Neill. I was delighted with both their interpretations of the book's content.

I have attempted writing the sequel Seven Stops many times, but every time, I got stuck. My mind was full of other novels/story ideas that kept driving me, taking precedence, (there's 10 out there on Amazon with a few in paperback, and the 11th, a ghost novel is ready for its synopsis), until, and the way I like to describe it; 'the characters tried getting me to listen to them to give them closure after I finished the book on 'hope', and now they were refusing to speak to me.'
However, it seems, left alone with only the gardening and solitary walks, they've taken pity on me. The result is Secret Steps. I have no idea about the cover but I love the title.

Today, I am almost half way into the first draft. The correct procedure for most of us writers upon finishing the raw piece, is to put it away for a few months and work on another project. My deadline is 20th May 2020 and on that day I aim to do this.

To my wonderful readers, I am forever grateful for your patience and ask for a little longer. I also welcome ideas for a cover because you know how the Seven Stops ended and the minds of the characters: Anna, Phil, Ashleigh and Lynsey Culpepper, Max and Alex Tearle, Meera and Jack Smith, Jay, Faith, Cassie, et al.

On their behalf, thank you :)